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Mega-star discoveries and Florence Pugh's perfect first audition | Casting with Shaheen Baig

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Episode notes

In this episode, Shaheen Baig joins Rhianna and Michael to spell out the magic of casting. From nationwide searches to discovering the next generation of Oscar-nominees, Shaheen discusses her audition process, why her job is a bit like matchmaking and casting Florence Pugh, Tom Holland and Rhianna’s teenage crush, Aaron Taylor-Johnson in their breakout roles.  WATCHING - Hanna (TV series) Esme Creed-Miles literally had to jump through hoops to land the part of the teenage assassin in this exhilarating high-concept thriller. Watch on Prime Video. - The Impossible (film) This heartstopping drama about a family caught in the 2004 tsunami gave Tom Holland his first big role. Watch on Prime Video. - Free Fire (film) A starry cast play cat-and-mouse in this explosive 70s-set action-comedy from Ben Wheatley. Watch on Prime Video.  - Locke (film) Tom Hardy in a car is the basic premise of this surprisingly taut and cinematic psychological drama, featuring the voices of some prestigious acting talent. Watch on Prime Video.  - The Falling (film) Shaheen cast Florence Pugh in her breakout role, alongside Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams in this eerie psychological drama from Carol Morley. Watch on Prime Video.  - Peter Pan (film) Shaheen's first big casting gig involved fairies, pirates and a very young George Mackay in this dazzling retelling of the classic children's tale. Watch on Prime Video.  - Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging (film) Gurinder Chadha proved a master of teen comedy with this vibrant guilty pleasure. Look out for Aaron Taylor Johnson and Eleanor Tomlinson in early roles. Watch on Prime Video.  - - Lady Macbeth (film) Florence Pugh sent shivers down our spine as a vengeful young wife in this Gothic chamber piece. Rent via Prime Video. - A Monster Calls (film) Another slice of expert child-casting from Shaheen in this macabre, yet magical coming-of-ager. Rent via Prime Video.  - The Others (film) A startlingly-good horror starring Nicole Kidman, with a plot twist to rival The Sixth Sense. Rent via Prime Video.  - Notes on a Scandal (film) Juno Temple scored her first big role alongside Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench in this sizzling drama. Rent via Prime Video.  - In Fabric (film) Peter Strickland's haunting ghost story is as seductive as it is darkly humorous, and showcases a wealth of British acting talent. Rent via Prime Video.  - Control (film) Sam Riley's breakout role came in this moody and melancholic portrait of Joy Division's Ian Curtis. Rent via Prime Video.  - The Personal History of David Copperfield (film) Armando Iannucci employed colour blind casting for a fresh and contemporary take on Dickens. Watch on Prime Video. - Attack the Block (film) John Boyega's ascendancy to stardom began with a barnstorming performance in Joe Cornish’s alien invasion comedy. Watch on Prime Video. - Foxcatcher (film) The biographical sports drama features compellingly against type performances from Steve Carell and Channing Tatum. Watch on Prime Video.  - Suspiria (film) Tilda Swinton takes on several roles in this gorgeously unhinged horror from Luca Guadagnino. Watch on Prime Video.  - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film) The fantasy franchise that launched the careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Rent via Prime Video.  - This is England (film) A classic example of genius street casting in Shane Meadow's enduring British drama. Rent via Prime Video.  - Little Miss Sunshine (film) A dysfunctional family takes a road trip in this heartwarming tale which launched the career of Abigail Breslin and put the talents of Steve Carrell in a new light.&nbs...